Messiah of Evil (1973) [Radiance Blu-ray review]

“Messiah of Evil” follows the harrowing journey of a young woman in search of her missing artist father. As she arrives in a mysterious seaside town, she becomes entangled in a web of darkness and horror. The town is governed by a nameless, undead cult, whose eerie presence permeates every corner. With each step, the protagonist uncovers a nightmarish reality, confronting her deepest fears and the disturbing secrets that lie beneath the surface.

What I liked about Messiah of Evil

One of the most striking aspects of “Messiah of Evil” is its atmospheric cinematography, which creates a sense of foreboding and unease throughout the film. The directors skillfully employ lighting techniques, shadows, and camera angles to accentuate the eerie ambience of the seaside town. The use of muted colors and a haunting score further enhances the film’s unsettling tone, drawing audiences deeper into its nightmarish realm.

The cast of “Messiah of Evil” delivers compelling performances that bring the characters to life in a chillingly realistic manner. Michael Greer portrays Thom, a mysterious figure who becomes an unlikely ally to the protagonist. Greer’s nuanced portrayal captures the internal struggles and hidden depths of his character, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Marianna Hill shines as Arletty, a key character who holds crucial information about the cult and the town’s dark secrets. Her performance is both mesmerizing and haunting, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

What I was not crazy about in Messiah of Evil

Beyond its surface-level scares, “Messiah of Evil” attempts to delve into deeper themes and societal commentary. The film explores the human desire for belonging and the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of surrendering one’s individuality to the allure of a collective ideology. By using the undead cult as a metaphorical representation of societal conformity, the film prompts viewers to question the nature of their own beliefs and the impact of groupthink on personal identity.

The film does have its weaknesses. Important plot points are left unclarified, such as the motivations of the lead characters, particularly Thom, who remains enigmatic. The behavior of seemingly normal characters adds to the surreal feeling of the film, and the titular Messiah of Evil is never properly identified. The film also suffers from characters failing to fully comprehend the father’s diary, leading to their unfortunate fate.

It was deep for the 1970s

“Messiah of Evil” serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of blind conformity and the dangers of surrendering one’s individuality to charismatic leaders. By using the undead cult as a metaphor for societal conformity, the film prompts viewers to critically examine their own beliefs and the impact of groupthink on personal identity. This thought-provoking aspect of the film elevates it beyond mere scares and engages audiences on a deeper level.

“Messiah of Evil” received limited attention from mainstream audiences. However, over time, the film has developed a devoted following and has been embraced as a cult classic within the horror genre. Its atmospheric cinematography, unconventional narrative structure, and thought-provoking themes have garnered praise from critics and influenced subsequent filmmakers.

The movie’s influence can be seen in later works such as “Carnival of Souls” (1962) and Dario Argento‘s “Suspiria” (1977). The lingering oddness and dream-like quality of “Messiah of Evil” have inspired a generation of filmmakers to explore the boundaries of horror and experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques.

Final thoughts on the movie

“Messiah of Evil” is a haunting and atmospheric cult classic that defies traditional horror tropes, immersing viewers in a nightmarish world of psychological terror. Through its unique narrative, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, the film leaves an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into its eerie realm. With its atmospheric cinematography and social commentary, “Messiah of Evil” has secured its place as a hidden gem within the horror genre, captivating audiences and inspiring future filmmakers.

What has Radiance Films done for Messiah of Evil on Blu-ray?

Radiance Films did this rather impressive Limited Edition release that I passed on due to it not being in 4K UHD. I still have my old Code Red release of the film and thought it was enough. You get a commentary, an audio only interview with director Huyck, a documentary and visual essay. Honestly, it’s a pretty stacked release when compared to the older disc.

While this is still a Limited Edition, what matters most is you’re getting a Region Free answer to what kind of horror movies did George Lucas’s pals used to make back in the 70s? I know Gabe over at Genre Grinder did some really good comparisons of the A/V Quality between the Radiance and the Code Red discs. Hell, it makes the Code Red discs super dark in 1080p.

If you dig the film or have any interest, go ahead and check it out!

Messiah of Evil is available from Radiance Films on Blu-ray